comment #1

the whip says ...

Home plate is edged in black. "Off the black" is a baseball term used generally for a ball that is just inside or outside the strike zone.

comment #2

ArchiveGuy says ...

Here's Variety's Review: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117929387?categoryid=31&cs=1&s=h&p=0

Nolte's been below-the-radar in nice small roles recently (you can add "Clean" & "Hotel Rwanda" to that list) so it's nice to see a meaty lead part come his way. Thanks for the heads-up.

comment #3

Vic says ...

Nolte's good. Movie not so much.

comment #4

Pedro says ...

This sounds like one of those formula "indie" films that relies on the lead performance by an established actor to overcome the filmmaker's lack of originality. Like Transamerica. Would love to see Nolte kick some ass but the film does sound a bit dubious.

comment #5

Sarah says ...

i saw it and loved it. along with "old joy," and "half nelson" (which thinkfilm is also releasing) it was my favorite film at the festival. everyone at the screening seemed to really like it. most of the crowd stayed for the question & answer afterwards. it's so subtle and warm, and nolte gives such an ugly, honest, and gutwrenching performance. really, i don't know any other actors that could have done such a fine job.

comment #6

Griff says ...

Nolte was excellent in "Hotel Rwanda," and I'm looking forward to seeing him in this. But also want to see Tim Hutton...class act that hasn't been given enough to do in the last decade.

comment #7

nic says ...

Despite a good Nolte performance, OFF THE BLACK is a total snoozefest.

It's a perfect example of the special kind of intimate, slow burning drama that barely sustains interest at a festival, let alone theatrically (see also: COME EARLY MORNING and SHERRYBABY)....

...as opposed to HALF NELSON which transcends the intimate origins and generates a powerful emotional pull. I really hope Ryan Nelson is recognised come end-of-year-awards-time.

comment #8

blotto says ...

Saw it at Sundance as well and thought it was great. Nolte's performance hits on a lot of things he can do well -- particularly humor, which he hasn't done in a while and which there is quite a bit of in this movie -- before sucker punching you with some very deep feeling at the end. Trevor Morgan holds his own against Nolte and winds up being very moving as well.

comment #9

filmflam says ...

Comparing OFF THE BLACK to SHERRBYBABY and COME EARLY MORNING and writing about "slow burning" films brings up a good point: OFF THE BLACK is decidely different than those two films because it is very, VERY funny. Profoundly funny.

I had to watch over thirty Sundance features, and laughing my ass off at a weird, brilliant Nick Nolte was very welcome. Glad that the distributor recognizes the gem of a performance and that the film is getting pushed at the right time of year (strange, but it feels like a November-December film).

OFF THE BLACK is patient, but for the love of God, look who they got to as their DP--Tim Orr! He's a genius cinematographer, but he shoots David Gordon Green's films, which are either dreamy/poetic or slow as molasses, depending on your taste. Personally, I like DGG's movies. He takes his time but knows exactly what he's doing.

OFF THE BLACK is a film of widescreen compositions and long-takes. There isn't a superfluous cut in the whole film. And none of that shaky, handheld indie crap. This film is beautiful to look at.

Now, I had a great time in OFF THE BLACK specifically because it had a sense of its own size: the film was a portrait of a man in deep pain, but laughing at death, and loving life, and not caring in the slightest what anyone thought. The film had no pretense. It was elegant, well-paced, moving, and like its main character, knew how to finish with dignity. It didn't even feel like an American film. It didn't beg to be liked. It was just simple and honest. And goddamn, it was funny.

All the performances were strong--Trevor Morgan is going to be a star in a few years, and I forgot how much Timothy Hutton could deliver an emotional KO. He's hardly on screen, but when he is, he makes you hurt for him, and even more, you miss him.

OFF THE BLACK and Nick Nolte both deserve serious consideration. Nolte will probably never get a role that good again. Too bad.

comment #10

Diana says ...

I can't help but mourn the days of Leading Man Nick Nolte, and they weren't so long ago, either. "The Good Thief" was Neil Jordan's most joyful and beautiful film, and one of Nolte's best performances.

comment #11

Jeff says ...

Really good film. With the right marketing (more towards comedy, less towards "Affliction"), I think it could actually find legs beyond major markets. The movie doesn't reek of Sundance hipsterdom. People outside of NY/LA could relate. The kid is a find. Nolte is amazing. Reminds me of him in his prime. I'd see it again.

comment #12

vlasic says ...

This is a completely ordinary film that you could only have enjoyed in the context of the least inspired Sundance in memory. If anybody tells you this is more than a Movie of the Week, back away....

comment #13

mrsm says ...

I agree, it was an off-year at Sundance. But I liked this film. It's laid back. Nolte's insanely good. The movie's surprisingly moving. It creeps up on you. The question to ask, though, is if there's Best Actor buzz, will THINK run a campaign? Have they ever run an Oscar campaign before? Not to my knowledge.

comment #14

Anonymous says ...

small, character-driven film. quality. "tender mercies" type deal. nick nolte is actually as good as they're saying. defy you to hear his growling voice in this film and get it out of your head.

comment #15

ian says ...

small, character-driven film. quality. "tender mercies" type deal. nick nolte is actually as good as they're saying. defy you to hear his growling voice in this film and get it out of your head.

comment #16

alongman15 says ...

Missed it at Sundance. Heard really positive feedback. Will make a point to see it. Nice review from Sundance on THR.